A hurricane can destroy homes, businesses and communities. Ian is also on a path that could cause damage to America’s playground — the theme parks of Orlando.
Despite existing smack dab in the middle of Central Florida, there have been few times that Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld have taken a direct hit from a hurricane. And never have they faced what could be a possibility this week: a category four storm.
It isn’t all bad news for the theme parks, however. While residents of Tampa Bay may need to consider evacuating, Orlando is unlikely to face the sort of destruction that a category four hurricane can bring. That’s about where the good news ends. Should Hurricane Ian make an eastward turn, there’s still a possibility that Magic Kingdom and Islands of Adventure could be looking at a category three storm even after it has made landfall for hours. The impact of the storm could also be felt by the theme parks for many days in a row — this is unlikely to be a one-day event. Even if the storm does not directly impact Orlando via a near-direct pass of the eye of the storm, it now seems that the parks will have hurricane force winds at some point this week.
As Ian approaches Florida, Accuweather said the storm could reach Category 4 status, which means sustained winds between 130 mph and 156 mph.
“In just a few days, Ian is likely to be a dangerous, major hurricane,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents to load up on food, water, medicine, batteries and fuel. He said it was too soon to determine when or even if Ian will make landfall, but that evacuations may be ordered in coming days.
— John Bacon and Thao Ngyuyen, USA Today
The last time Disney World faced hurricane force winds was in 2017 with Hurricane Irma. Though the major theme parks are all designed to take a direct hit from strong storms, you can still see just how difficult it is for any structures to withstand a hurricane.
Obviously our primary desire is for everyone in Florida to be safe and sound. We very much hope that destruction of property is an a minimum.
Once the storm has passed enough for travel, we plan to have reporters in Walt Disney World with photos, video and more. That Park Place reporters will be reporting on the aftermath of the storm Friday after the hurricane makes landfall on Thursday. During Thursday we’ll be covering the storm and will relay important information as it becomes available.
To all of our readers in Florida this week, be safe. Your life matters far more than bravado or witnessing a hurricane. As That Park Place contributors have said before after riding out a major hurricane: “I’ll never do that again.” All you wonderful Floridians can make your way north and go check out the Great Smoky Mountains, drive over to Charleston and enjoy amazing seafood, or head west and check out some of the Gulf offerings. Turn this hard time into an opportunity to bond with family and friends somewhere more pleasant until the storm clouds subside.
For all the latest news that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place. As always, drop a comment down below and let us know your thoughts.
